EAA/ANN AirVenture Innovation Preview

Institute For Women Of Aviation Worldwide (iWOAW) To Depict Women's Influence On Aviation

In a partnership described as a social and technological first, the Institute for Women Of Aviation Worldwide and PlaneFinder.net will collect the flight tracks of commercial flights operated in part by a woman in a technical capacity as well as the flight tracks of female introductory flights conducted worldwide thorough Women Of Aviation Worldwide Week, March 4-10.

The project named "Women Color The Skies" will combined the collected flight tracks to create an online animated and interactive visualization of the current involvement of women within the industry as well as the level of engagement on the part of the industry to encourage more to join.

Professional women of aviation involved in commercial flight operations in a technical capacity such pilot, air traffic controller, dispatcher, mechanic, engineer, etc. are invited to report their week's professional activities to see the flight tracks of their flights added to the online visualization. One of the key highlight of the week is the mass introduction of girls and women to the sensations and magic of flight in small aircraft. The pilots who introduce girls or women to flying during the week can see their flights added to the online visualization by reporting their flights.

According to numerous studies, perceptions that the air and space industry is for men constitute a main barrier to women's increased participation as women fear isolation and limited growth opportunities if they choose the field. About 2% of aircraft mechanics, 6% of aircraft pilots, and less than 12% of aeronautical engineers are women. "Using PlaneFinder.net's exciting technology, we are hoping to help put to rest some of the justified worries many women have when considering a career in the industry," says Mireille Goyer, Founder and President of the Institute for Women Of Aviation Worldwide. "It is critical that women realize that other women are currently actively involved in the industry. The online interactive visualization is a concrete step towards achieving that."